A grieving mum has launched a crowdfunding appeal – to pay for the funeral for her tragic 14-year-old daughter.
Anna Sexton died on June 8 as the result of a “tragic accident” and a coroner said the cause of death was asphyxiation.
Her devastated mum Laura Gibbs has now turned to crowdfunding to raise £1,500 to help fund a special send-off for her little girl.
In a post on GoFundMe, Laura said: “I am Laura, Anna’s mum. Anna lost her life on the 8th of June in a tragic accident at the age of 14.
“I don’t even know how to start this. I still feel like I’m going to wake up and be so thankful that this was all a nightmare.
“I’ve lost family members, as most everyone has. But I could never be prepared to lose my daughter.
“Anna was such a happy, bubbly character who was full of life. She loved singing and dancing.
“I am looking to raise funds towards the financial costs of Anna’s funeral expenses and other unexpected expenses.
“If you’re moved to donate I thank you. But I know Anna and the most important thing she would ask you to do. Call someone you love right now and tell them.
“I feel like it is a cliche to say life is too short, but when tragedy happens, you understand that quote.
“Appreciate those you love. Tell them. Do what you can, so that if tragedy happens, you know they left this earth knowing you loved them.”
Laura also wrote a direct message to her daughter, saying: “To Anna Sexton… I love you so much.
“You will always be my daughter and my best friend. You left us all way too soon. We will love and remember you forever.
“You left a positive mark on this world and in our lives.
“We will continue to live life with passion and love because we know that is what you would have wanted.
“Goodnight and god bless Anna. Until we meet again, sleep tight my baby x”
Almost £1,000 has been raised for the fund since the appeal was launched two days ago.
Gloucestershire Police said Anna’s death in her hometown of Cheltenham, Glos was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesman said: “Police were made aware by the ambulance service at 8.45pm on Wednesday 8 June of the death of a 14-year-old girl in Cheltenham.”
Mourners at Anna’s funeral, which is planned for July 4, are asked to wear bright colours and make donations to Winchcombe School’s music department.
Winchcombe School head Neil Hall, said: “Her vivacious and bubbly character was evident particularly in her love of music and she had performed at a number of our school assemblies.”
An inquest into Anna’s death will continue in November.
To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/
